Washing machine

ABSTRACT

A washing machine includes: a suds container for receiving wash liquid; a drum rotationally mounted in the suds container and for receiving laundry; a dispenser box for receiving washing additives; a conduit which connects the dispenser box to an upper portion of the suds container, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine, and which does not have a siphon; an air supply duct connected to the suds container and/or to the drum; and a controller for controlling a flow of air in the washing machine such that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, the drum, and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box, in this order or reverse order.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

Priority is claimed to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2016 118 334.2, filed on Sep. 28, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a washing machine having a suds container for receiving wash liquid, a drum rotatably mounted in the suds container and adapted to receive laundry, a dispenser box for receiving washing additives, and a conduit connecting the dispenser box to an upper portion of the suds container, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine. The dispenser box serves to receive a washing additive, such as, for example, a washing, fabric care and/or cleaning agent, which is to be flushed during a wash cycle into the suds container, in which laundry is to be subjected to a washing process and/or a fabric care process or a cleaning process.

BACKGROUND

In order to flush the washing additive into the suds container, liquid, in particular water, is fed from a supply system into the dispenser box and conducted into the suds container together with the washing additive. The washing, fabric care and/or cleaning agents may be of different types, such as solid or liquid or more or less water-soluble. Therefore, it takes different times and different amounts of water to flush the different washing additives out of the dispenser box. After the wash cycle, liquid residues and/or washing additive residues may remain in the dispenser box. Because of this, mildew and/or germs may grow in the dispenser box after a washing machine has been used for an extended period of time.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a washing machine, comprising: a suds container configured to receive wash liquid; a drum rotationally mounted in the suds container and configured to receive laundry; a dispenser box configured to receive washing additives; a conduit which connects the dispenser box to an upper portion of the suds container, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine, and which is configured without a siphon; an air supply duct connected to the suds container and/or to the drum; and a controller configured to control a flow of air in the washing machine such that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, the drum, and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box, in this order or reverse order.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a washing machine according to a first variant;

FIG. 2 is another schematic view of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a washing machine according to a second variant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Among the advantages provided by the present invention are that it allows the water inlet branch of the washing machine, and especially the dispenser box, to be ventilated. Such ventilation makes it possible to prevent or at least reduce the build-up of mildew and/or germs in the water inlet branch, and especially in the dispenser box.

The present invention relates to a washing machine having a suds container for receiving wash liquid, a drum rotatably mounted in the suds container and adapted to receive laundry, a dispenser box for receiving washing additives, a conduit which connects the dispenser box to an upper portion of the suds container, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine, and which is configured without a siphon, as well as an air supply duct connected to the suds container and/or to the drum.

The washing machine further has a controller that is configured to control a flow of air in the washing machine in such a way that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, the drum and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box, in this or reverse order. In this manner, the above-described branch of the washing machine is ventilated. By ventilating the branch, it is possible to prevent or at least reduce the build-up of mildew and/or germs in the water inlet branch, and especially in the dispenser box. Positions and directions are given relative to the upright position of use of the washing machine.

The conduit that connects the dispenser box to an upper portion of the suds container, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine, is preferably a hose. The conduit is configured without a siphon to allow the air to flow in the conduit without difficulty and/or without splashing of water.

In a first variant, the controller is preferably configured to activate a fan of the washing machine so that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, through the drum and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box. In a second variant, the controller is preferably configured to control a rotational speed of the drum so that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, through the drum and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box; a fan effect being obtained by forming the washing machine with a suds container opening in the suds container.

The controller is preferably configured to control a flow of air in the washing machine in such a way that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, then through the drum and/or the suds container, then through the conduit and then through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box and out of the washing machine.

In a preferred embodiment, in the first variant, a fan is disposed at and/or in the air supply duct and is adapted to blow air from the interior of the washing machine and/or from the outside of the washing machine into the air supply duct when activated. The design of the washing machine allows the above-described branch of the washing machine to be ventilated. Preferably, the air is conducted into the drum. The fan is preferably disposed and/or adapted to blow air from the interior of the washing machine into the air supply duct. However, the fan may also be disposed and/or adapted to blow air from the outside of the washing machine into the air supply duct. The air may then flow from the air supply duct into the drum.

In the first variant, the air supply duct is disposed at and/or through a door sealing ring. The door sealing ring is disposed and adapted such that a door of the washing machine can close a loading opening for loading the drum with laundry in a gas- and liquid-tight manner. The door sealing ring has, for example, a hole or recess through which the air supply duct at least partially extends or at which the air supply duct ends.

In a preferred embodiment, in the first variant, the controller is configured to activate the fan at and/or after the end of a wash cycle. In the first variant, the controller of the washing machine or, as the case may be, an additional controller of the washing machine is preferably configured to automatically control a wash cycle which is selectable by a user of the washing machine. Typically, a wash cycle includes a wash phase, a rinse phase, and a spin phase.

In the first variant, the controller, or the additional controller, is preferably configured to control the flow of air in the washing machine in such a way that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, the drum and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box the washing machine, in this or reverse order, when, during or after the spin phase, the drum is rotated at a relatively low speed, for example, in the range from 700 to 1000 RPM. Rotating the drum in the aforementioned speed range at the end of or after the spin phase is also referred to as “wrinkle guard step” within a wash cycle.

Alternatively or additionally, the controller, or the additional controller, may preferably be configured to control the flow of air in the washing machine in such a way that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, the drum and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box the washing machine, in this or reverse order, while a sanitizing cycle is being performed; i.e., a wash cycle during which the wash and/or rinse phases are performed at elevated temperatures, such as at least 50° C., preferably in the range from 55 to 65° C., with the controller preferably activating the fan at least partially during the spin phase of the sanitizing cycle so as to produce the flow of air in the aforedescribed manner.

In another preferred embodiment, in the second variant, the suds container has a suds container opening through which it is connected to the air supply duct. The second embodiment is inexpensive because only the air supply duct is required in addition to the usual components of the washing machine. The motion of the drum during the spin phase of a wash cycle is preferably used to produce a fan effect.

In the second variant, the suds container opening is preferably disposed in a portion of the suds container above an axis of rotation of the drum, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine, and the air supply duct ends preferably above the level of an emergency overflow outlet. This makes it possible to prevent wash liquid and/or foam from escaping from the suds container.

In the second variant, the suds container opening is preferably disposed in a back side of the suds container, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine, and the drum can be loaded via a front side of the washing machine, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine.

In the second variant, the controller of the washing machine or, as the case may be, an additional controller of the washing machine is preferably configured to automatically control a wash cycle which is selectable by a user of the washing machine. Typically, a wash cycle includes a wash phase, a rinse phase, and a spin phase. In the second variant, the controller, or the additional controller, is preferably configured to control the flow of air in the washing machine in such a way that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, the drum and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box, in this or reverse order, when, during the spin phase, the drum is rotated at a relatively high speed, for example, in the range from 1200 to 1800 RPM, more preferably from 1400 to 1600 RPM. Preferably, a final portion of the spin phase is performed at the relatively high rotational speed of the drum.

Alternatively or additionally, the controller, or the additional controller, may preferably be configured to control the flow of air in the washing machine in such a way that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, the drum and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box the washing machine, in this or reverse order, while a sanitizing cycle is being performed; i.e., a wash cycle during which the wash and/or rinse phases are performed at elevated temperatures, such as at least 50° C., preferably in the range from 55 to 65° C., with the spin phase of the sanitizing cycle preferably being performed at the relatively high rotational speed of the drum. Particularly when the drum rotates at a high speed, the design of the washing machine produces a fan effect causing the air to flow through the air supply duct, the drum and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box. As a result, this branch of the washing machine, in particular the dispenser box, is ventilated.

Preferably, the dispenser box has a handle plate having at least one dispenser box opening adapted to allow air to flow from the interior of the washing machine out of the washing machine or into it. The dispenser box is preferably disposed in the front portion of the washing machine. Thus, in the case of a front loader, the air can exit or enter the washing machine in the front portion thereof, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine, which is advantageous because the front portion of the washing machine is usually not covered or otherwise blocked. Preferably, the dispenser box is formed with a receiving compartment into which a slidable unit is inserted.

In a preferred embodiment, the air is unheated; i.e., the air flowing through the aforedescribed branch unheated. This is cost-effective.

Preferably, the washing machine has an automatic dispensing system which is connected to the dispenser box in such a way that detergent can be supplied from the automatic dispensing system via the dispenser box and then through the conduit into the suds container. In the case of a washing machine having an automatic dispensing system, the dispenser box, and especially the slidable unit of the dispenser box, is generally not opened, and therefore, ventilation of the aforedescribed branch is particularly advantageous in this case.

The washing machine may further have a liquid recirculation system adapted to pump wash liquid from a first, preferably lower portion of the suds container into a second, preferably upper portion of the suds container.

The washing machine may be an automatic washing machine adapted to automatically perform wash, rinse and spin phases according to a selected wash cycle, or a combination appliance, such as a washer-dryer machine. Preferably, the washing machine is an automatic washing machine which is adapted solely for washing laundry. The washing machine may be a household appliance or a commercial appliance. Preferably, the washing machine is designed as a front loader.

FIG. 1 shows, in schematic view, a washing machine according to a first variant. Washing machine 1 has a suds container 2 for receiving wash liquid 11, and a drum 3 for receiving laundry, the drum being rotatably mounted in the suds container and coupled to a drive means. A drain conduit 10 including a detergent solution pump 10 a is connected below suds container 2. Moreover, a dispenser box 4 is connected to suds container 2 via a conduit 5. Conduit 5 is configured without a siphon. Also connected to suds container 2 is an air supply duct 6, which is connected to a fan 7. Washing machine 1 further has a controller 12 adapted to activate and deactivate fan 7 and to control a wash cycle.

FIG. 2 shows another schematic view of the washing machine depicted in FIG. 1. The washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to that in FIG. 1, but for the sake of clarity, drain conduit 10, including detergent solution pump 10 a, and controller 12 are not shown in FIG. 2. In the view of washing machine 1 in FIG. 2, there can be seen a door sealing ring 14 and a door 15 of washing machine 1, which is a front loader. In the closed position shown, door 15 closes a loading opening for loading drum 3 with laundry. Door sealing ring 14 is disposed and adapted such that door 15 closes the loading opening in a gas- and liquid-tight manner. Door sealing ring 14 has a door sealing ring opening to which is connected air supply duct 6. Fan 7 is configured such that, when activated, air is conducted into air supply duct 6, through the door sealing ring opening, into suds container 2 and/or drum 3, and then through dispenser box 4 and dispenser box opening 9. In the event the door 15 is not closed, air is also conducted through a gap between the door 15 and the door sealing ring 14. Dispenser box 4 has a slidable unit 16 into which a washing additive can be filled. During operation of washing machine 1, slidable unit 16 is inserted in a receiving compartment.

During operation of washing machine 1, controller 12 controls a wash cycle selected on washing machine 1 by a user, the wash cycle including a wash phase, a rinse phase, and a spin phase. In a final portion of the spin phase, controller 12 activates fan 7, whereby air is conducted, or flows, in the direction indicated by the arrows through air supply duct 6, then drum 3 and/or suds container 2, then through conduit 5 and through dispenser box 4 along slidable unit 16, and through a dispenser box opening 9 present in dispenser box 4.

FIG. 3 shows, in schematic view, a washing machine according to a second variant. Washing machine 1 has a suds container 2 for receiving wash liquid, and a drum 3 for receiving laundry, the drum being rotatably mounted in the suds container and coupled to a drive means. Moreover, a dispenser box 4 is connected to suds container 2 via a conduit 5. Conduit 5 is configured without a siphon. Also connected to suds container 2 is an air supply duct 6. Air supply duct 6 opens into suds container 2 at a suds container opening 8.

Washing machine 1 further has a controller adapted to control a wash cycle, and especially a rotational speed of drum 3, during a wash cycle. Moreover, washing machine 1 has a door sealing ring 14 and a door 15. In the closed position shown, door 15 closes a loading opening for loading drum 3 with laundry. Door sealing ring 14 is disposed such that door 15 closes the loading opening in a gas- and liquid-tight manner. Washing machine 1 is a front loader. Dispenser box 4 has a slidable unit 16 into which a washing additive can be filled. During operation of washing machine 1, slidable unit 16 is inserted in a receiving compartment.

During operation of washing machine 1, the controller controls a wash cycle selected on washing machine 1 by a user, the wash cycle including a wash phase, a rinse phase, and a spin phase. In a final portion of the spin phase, drum 3 is rotated at such a speed that a fan effect is produced which causes air to be conducted, or to flow, in the direction indicated by the arrows through air supply duct 6, then drum 3 and/or suds container 2, then through conduit 5 and through dispenser box 4 along slidable unit 16, and through a dispenser box opening 9 present in dispenser box 4.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments.

The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 washing machine -   2 suds container -   3 drum -   4 dispenser box -   5 conduit -   6 air supply channel -   7 fan -   8 suds container opening -   9 dispenser box opening -   10 drain conduit -   10 a detergent solution pump -   11 wash liquid -   12 controller -   14 door sealing ring -   15 door -   16 slidable unit 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine, comprising: a suds container configured to receive wash liquid; a drum rotationally mounted in the suds container and configured to receive laundry; a dispenser box configured to receive washing additives; a conduit which connects the dispenser box to an upper portion of the suds container, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine, and which is configured without a siphon; an air supply duct connected to the suds container and/or to the drum; and a controller configured to control a flow of air in the washing machine such that the air is conducted through the air supply duct, the drum, and/or the suds container, through the conduit and through the dispenser box, and through a dispenser box opening present in the dispenser box, in this order or reverse order.
 2. The washing machine as recited in claim 1, further comprising a fan disposed at and/or in the air supply duct, the fan being configured to blow air from the interior of the washing machine and/or from the outside of the washing machine into the air supply duct.
 3. The washing machine as recited in claim 2, wherein the air is conducted into the drum.
 4. The washing machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to activate the fan at and/or after the end of a wash cycle.
 5. The washing machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the suds container has a suds container opening through which it is connected to the air supply duct.
 6. The washing machine as recited in claim 5, wherein the suds container opening is disposed in a portion of the suds container above an axis of rotation of the drum, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine, and the air supply duct ends above a level of an emergency overflow outlet.
 7. The washing machine as recited in claim 5, wherein the suds container opening is disposed in a back side of the suds container, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine, and the drum is configured to be loaded via a front side of the washing machine, as considered in the upright position of use of the washing machine.
 8. The washing machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the dispenser box has a handle plate having at least one dispenser box opening configured to allow air to flow from the interior of the washing machine out of the washing machine or into it.
 9. The washing machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the air is unheated.
 10. The washing machine as recited in claim 1, further comprising an automatic dispensing system which is connected to the dispenser box such that detergent is configured to be supplied from the automatic dispensing system via the dispenser box and then through the conduit into the suds container. 